Iraq’s Air Force Club breaks Indian hearts, emerge AFC Cup champions
Bengaluru FC failed to realise their dream of becoming the first Indian club to win the AFC Cup when they lost to Iraq’s Air Force Club 0-1 in the final at the Qatar Sp[orts Club on Saturday.
The tournament’s top-scorer Hammadi Ahmed scored off Amjed Radhi’s pass in the 71st minute to give his side their first Asian title.
The Iraqis looked superior, especially in the second half. Watched by hundreds of Bengaluru supporters, many of whom had travelled all the way from India, the Sunil Chhetri-led team, however, went all out in a desperate bid to restore parity in the dying minutes, but failed.
Bengaluru coach Albert Roca made just one change to the team which started against Johor Darul Ta’zim with Lalthuamawia Ralte replacing Amrinder Singh in goal.
For the Air Force Club, 20-year-old explosive left winger Humam Tareq was named on the starting lineup after recovering on time from his injury.
But Osama Ali replaced him in the 26th minute after Tareq received a knock on his head.
For the thousands of fans in the stadium, it was a thrilling night of football. And it was the herald of a new era for Indian and Iraqi football as well.
Picture courtesy: the-afc.com
Yup, your are right Brit. I saw his Karak shop closed and was wondering why!
It's a game ......... lets not be emotional ............. congrats to the winners ...........
It was a good match .. Next year will be better
Rizks was distraught. I had to buy him a double mocchawithcaramelextrahotwithtwosugarsandahintofcinammon to console him :O(